Nice tour of localarea
Half-Day Provence Villages Day Trip from Avignon
Follow Roman stone and ochre paths through the Luberon
The Finer Details
On this half-day Provence highlights tour, discover a few of the more striking and well-loved villages of the Luberon region. In the company of a local expert and escorted by a private driver, you will spend your morning becoming acquainted with the particular charms of the region. From a panoramic view of the valley to impressive hilltop villages, to a town once voted ‘prettiest village in France’, this introductory experience in Provence will leave you wanting to explore for days on end.
Sites Visited
- Gordes
- Roussillon
- Pont Julien
- Lourmarin
Included
- 6 hours with an expert local guide
- Private car service in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Avignon
Itinerary Details
Your Provence introduction begins with a convenient pick-up at your accommodation in Avignon. As you leave the city for the country, you will instantly feel the change in scenery. The landscape is dotted with stone farmhouses with cypress trees, rolling vineyards, and olive groves which you will admire as you begin your ascent to the hilltops of the Luberon
Your expert guide will begin introducing you to the region’s history as you make your way to the first stop of the day, the spectacular hilltop village of Gordes. You will first stop outside of town to take in the magic of the town from a scenic viewpoint before heading into the center to discover its winding streets and passageways. You may stop for a short coffee on the square, taking a moment to drink in the charm and history around you.
From Gordes, you will wind your way over to the village of Roussillon. The town is made distinctive thanks to the unique color of the building façades and surrounding cliffs. It was because of this geological feature that the town sprung to life. The ochre deposits in the surrounding ridges were mined for use as pigmentation in the textile industry. As you wander the charming downtown with your expert guide, you will learn about the rise and fall of the ochre mining industry in the area as well as about a few of Roussillon’s more famous former inhabitants.
As you leave Roussillon, you will continue along the charming Provençal roads for a brief stop off at the Pont Julien, a Roman stone arch bridge dating from 3 BC. From there, you will begin your descent into the valley. If you are visiting in the right season, you may catch a glimpse of the lavender fields in bloom. Your last stop will be the endearing market town of Lourmarin town, whose winding cobblestone streets and shaded public squares are the epitome of Provençal charm.
Following this visit, your guide and driver will accompany you back to your accommodation in Avignon. You will end your time together with a taste of the endless charms of Provence, and perhaps a new longing to see more.
FAQ
What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (how long you’d like to spend at each stop) and more personalized time with your guide.
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (how long you’d like to spend at each stop) and more personalized time with your guide.
Will we see lavender on this tour?
The Provence lavender fields are typically in bloom from the beginning of June to the end of July. In recent years, they have often been cut early due to excessive heat and drought. On this highlights tour, you will certainly catch a glimpse of the fields if they are in bloom, but you will not have time to stop at a lavender farm or distillery. If you wish to do so, please check out our full-day excursion.
The Provence lavender fields are typically in bloom from the beginning of June to the end of July. In recent years, they have often been cut early due to excessive heat and drought. On this highlights tour, you will certainly catch a glimpse of the fields if they are in bloom, but you will not have time to stop at a lavender farm or distillery. If you wish to do so, please check out our full-day excursion.
Will this tour stop for lunch?
No, this is a packed half-day tour and there will not be time to stop for lunch. We advise you to come prepared with snacks. You can also grab a croissant to-go in one of the villages if you get a bit peckish.
No, this is a packed half-day tour and there will not be time to stop for lunch. We advise you to come prepared with snacks. You can also grab a croissant to-go in one of the villages if you get a bit peckish.
How many people can fit in the vehicle?
The standard vehicle for this tour can accommodate 6 passengers in addition to your expert.
Can children join this tour?
Yes, absolutely. We can adjust the content to be more appropriate for younger learners.
Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible?
Provence is characterized by winding cobblestone streets which are often steep or punctuated by stairs. This tour would not be well suited for wheelchair users but can be adapted for those with lower mobility. Please contact us if you are concerned about mobility; we will gladly advise.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Gordes
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Roussillon
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Pont Julien
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Lourmarin
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
What a perfect day it has been in Provence, thanks to Jérémie! Meeting is at our lodging in Avignon with a wonderful chauffeur, we experienced highlights of the Provence region, including Gordes (named most beautiful village in the world by Travel & Leisure), the lavender fields at the Abbey Sénanque, Le Pont Julien, the ocres hills, Lourmarin and more. Jérémie orchestrated the tour masterfully, providing a relaxed pace, with attention to our comfort, and bringing centuries of history to life. Our driver was also very professional and accommodating of our requests. Many thanks to a wonderful team for such a memorable experience!
Jérémie was terrific. Excellent historian and conversationalist. Patiently listened to all of our questions and always give thoughtful answers. His love of the Provence region was reflected by the quality of this tour. Highly recommend.
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